Definition

1. Verb:
   • To hook (with a finger or limb): To use a finger, toe, or limb to pull, catch, or trip something by forming a curved or hooked shape.
   • To trip (someone): To cause someone to fall by using a foot or leg to hook around their leg.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy ngoéo ngón tay ra hiệu cho tôi lại gần. (She hooked her finger, signaling me to come closer.)
  • Đứa trẻ nghịch ngợm ngoéo chân bạn làm bạn ngã. (The mischievous child tripped his friend by hooking his leg.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngoéo tay": to link pinky fingers (as a promise).
  • Hai đứa trẻ ngoéo tay hứa sẽ giữ bí mật. (The two children linked pinky fingers, promising to keep the secret.)

Variants and Related Words

• Móc (v): to hook. Often used similarly but can imply a tool.
• Quẹo / Quèo (v, regional): to bend, to hook. A synonym in some southern dialects.

Synonyms

• Hook: to catch or pull with a curved implement.
• Trip: to cause to stumble or fall.

Related Idioms

• Ngoéo tay ăn thề: to swear by linking pinkies; to make a pinky promise.
  • Chúng tôi đã ngoéo tay ăn thề không bao giờ chia lìa. (We linked pinkies and swore never to part.)